OPIOID ASSOCIATED ERECTILE DISFUNCTION IN CHRONIC PAIN PATIENTS
Author(s)
Betty Marsh, LPN, Nurse1, Jerome Mark Sampson, MD, Physician21North Florida /South Georgia VA Medical Center, Gainesville, FL, USA; 2 North Florida / South Georgia VA Medical Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence of erectile disorder in males with chronic pain on opioids. Chronic pain can lead to reduced quality of life and strain on relationships. Opioids themselves can lead to significant side effects, including a reduction in serum testosterone and interference in the hypothalamic - pituitary- axis. METHODS: Male patients in an opioid clinic with chronic pain on opioids were screened for erectile disorder. RESULTS: Ninety five patients were screened and 27 patients(29%)were positive for the disorder. Only ten (37%) had received treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Erectile disorder is an under diagnosed and treated disorder in chronic pain patients on opioids. Male patients with chronic pain should be routinely screened for erectile disorders.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2006-05, ISPOR 2006, Philadelphia, PA
Value in Health, Vol. 9, No.3 (May/June 2006)
Code
PPN1
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health
Topic Subcategory
Safety & Pharmacoepidemiology
Disease
Systemic Disorders/Conditions